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B. K. Mohapatra ¹, P. P. Mishra ¹, P. P. Singh ², A. K. Paul ², Rajeev ¹

Affiliations
1 Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar, IN
2 Department of Geology, Utkal University, IN

Abstract

Co-Rich Lithiophonte is reported for the first time from low-grade Mn ores of the Bonai-Keonjhar belt (Jamda-Koira valley), Orissa. It occurs in two distinct Litho-Host associations, (i) lateritic zone capping Mn-ore horizon and (ii) shear zone-controlled siliceous manganese ore. It mostly appears as thinly banded and as Vug-Filled linings, in close association with cryptomelane. It occurs as Micron-Sized acicular to pea-shaped crystallites in the first litho association and as coarse, radiating crystals showing Zig-Saw pattern arrangement in the second association Co content is low (CoO 0 14 0 8%) in the Fine-Grained variety whereas in the Coarse-Grained variety it ranges up to 2% (CoO 0 14 2 00%). Appreciable quantity of Ni (N10 0 15-1 5%) is observed along with Co only in Coarse-Grained variety. The mechanism of Co-Entry into the two varieties of supergene lithiophorite through adsorption has been discussed Report of Co in terrestrial Mn-ore has opened up new potential in this part of Orissa.

Keywords

Lithiophorite (cobaltian), Manganese Ores, Bonai Keonjhar Belt, Orissa.

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A. A. Murkute ¹, Shashi Bala Singh ², P. P. Singh ³

Affiliations
1 ICAR–National Research Centre for Citrus, Amravati Road, Nagpur 440 033, IN
2 Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, DRDO, Timarpur, Delhi 110 054, IN
3 Sant Baba Bhag Singh Institute of Engineering and Technology, Village Khiala, District Jalandhar 144 030, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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B. K. Mohapatra ¹, S. Jena ¹, P. P. Singh ²

Affiliations
1 Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, IN
2 Geology Department, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, IN

Abstract

Large volume of iron oxy-hydroxide minerals occur in association with manganese oxide phase in manganese ores of the Eastern Ghats Supergroup, Koraput district, Orissa. On the basis of OH content, the iron mineral can be classified into hydrohematite, goethite, and hydrogoethite. These minerals exhibit eight types of microstructures such as ooloidal, caterpillar, disseminated, reniform, worm, mosaic, globular and spherulitic. Chemical composition of such micro-structures obtained through EPMA, distinguishes them into three domains, developed under different environment. Hydrohematite, having 8-10 % H₂O, characteristically contains higher pc of manganese (>5%) and phosphorous (>0.6%) but have low silica and alumina. These are formed syngenetically with Mn-oxide minerals in a manganese rich paragenesis. Goethite containing 11 to 12% water, has relatively low level of manganese and phosphorous, and formed in a later period, as secondary open space filling. Hydrogoethite shows very high water content (>16%), almost devoid of manganese, and impoverished in phosphorous but having higher percentage of alumina, silica and appreciable copper and nickel. This was latest to form in the zone of oxidation under supergene condition.

Keywords

Microstructures, Hydroxide Minerals, Manganese, Eastern Ghats, Orissa.

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S. Bilasini Devi ¹, Kh. Jatishwar Singh ¹, Y. Lakshmi Devi ¹, W. Gyaneshwar Singh ¹, P. P. Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 Departments of Biochemistry and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Regional Medical College, Imphal, IN

Abstract

It is well proven that expectant mothers form a nutritionally vulnerable group of tremendous significance.

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Y. Bhanu Devi ¹, M. G. Singh ¹, L. B. K. Singh ¹, P. P. Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, Regional Medical College, Manipur, Imphal, IN

Abstract

Peptic ulcer is common in many parts of the world including India and remains a major medical problem. However, it is evident from a perusal of available literature that no efforts had been made to investigate the etiology of peptic ulcer in Manipur where our unpublished data reveals the high prevalence of this disease. Duodenal ulcer is far more dominant in this region.

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P. P. Singh ¹, D. C. Sharma ², S. N. Saxena ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, R.N.T. Medical College, Udaipur, IN
2 R.N.T. Medical College, Udaipur, IN
3 Agricultural Chemistry, University of Udaipur, IN

Abstract

An observation that the total oxalate and its soluble and insoluble oxalate fractions of the leaves of the same bathua species of almost same maturity from two differenit places differed substantially, evoked interest in this problem. The work here records for the first time the oxalate and cation content of the different parts of two bathua vegetables viz. bathua (Chenopodium album L.) and Kharbathua or bhabhra (Chenopodium murale L.) collected from ten sites.

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P. P. Singh ¹, S. N. Saxena ²

Affiliations
1 RNT Medical College, Udaipur, IN
2 College of Home Science, University of Udaipur, Udaipur, IN

Abstract

Dietary oxalates have been associated with various clinical disorders. They interfere with the utilization of minerals particularly calcium and magnesium in the digestive tract.

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Ran Jeet Singh ¹, P. P. Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Chemistry, M.L.K. (P.G.) College, Balarampur (U.P.), IN

Abstract

The softness parameters of M and M’ in respect of the O/m/p-amino pyridine of MM’(NCS)₄ type of complexes, have been evaluated.

MNDO calculations were made to get precise values of softness of M and M'. Therefore stability of thiocyanate bridge in M and M' (NCS)₄ (M=Co, M'=Hg, Cd, Zn) is given below:

Co/Hg > Co/Cd > Co/Zn.

Keywords

Stability, Thiocyanates, Bimetallic Complexes.

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S. K. Barik ¹, O. N. Tiwari ², D. Adhikari ¹, P. P. Singh ¹, R. Tiwary ¹, S. Barua ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, IN
2 Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, New Delhi 110 003, IN

Abstract

In spite of its importance in nation-wide conservation planning, comprehensive information on geographic distribution of threatened plants in India is lacking. Even the threat status of these plants is ambiguous and the country’s effort to conserve them is not widely known. A critical analysis of these aspects is essential for identifying gaps in threatened plant conservation. Keeping these in view, we present a review of the existing knowledge on geographic distribution pattern of threatened plants of India, their threat status, and conservation action undertaken to recover these species. Using the available data, we unravel patterns of distribution of these threatened plants in different states of India. When ranking of the families was done based on the total number of species under different threat categories, Orchidaceae (644), Fabaceae (185), Poaceae (164), Rubiaceae (103), Asteraceae (88), Euphorbiaceae (72), Asclepiadaceae (62) and Acanthaceae (60) constituted more than half of the total threatened plant species of India. A review on conservation efforts so far undertaken in different parts of the country revealed that the biodiversity-rich phytogeographic regions such as the Himalayas, North East India, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands had lesser conservation efforts in comparison to the Western Ghats, Vindhyas and Peninsular regions of India. The skewed distribution of threatened plants in different states did not truly reflect their absolute presence or absence; rather it is the result of incomplete survey because of the difficult geomorphological and associated geo-climatic conditions, tough terrain and remote locations. In addition, the current data on threatened plants suffer from methodological shortcomings such as classification without using the population data that are so crucial in modern day threat classification, and lack of long-term observational data. The review emphasizes the use of modern tools such as ecological niche modelling for population inventory, area of occupancy and extent of occurrence, and trends in population size and regeneration for precise threat classification conforming to globally accepted methods (e.g. IUCN version 3.1). The works undertaken through the support of Department of Biotechnology, GoI for conservation of 156 threatened plant species under different disciplines of conservation biology during the past three decades have also been compiled and reviewed. A successfully tested protocol following an integrated approach for threatened species conservation is recommended for future conservation action.

Keywords

Conservation Strategy, Geographic Distribution Pattern, Threatened Plants.

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D. Adhikari ¹, Z. Reshi ², B. K. Datta ³, S. S. Samant ⁴, A. Chettri ⁵, K. Upadhaya ⁶, M. A. Shah ², P. P. Singh ¹, R. Tiwary ¹, K. Majumdar ³, A. Pradhan ⁵, M. L. Thakur ⁴, N. Salam ², Z. Zahoor ², S. H. Mir ², Z. A. Kaloo ², S. K. Barik ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, IN
2 Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190 006, IN
3 Department of Botany, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Agartala 799 022, IN
4 G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development, Himachal Unit, Mohal-Kullu 175 101, IN
5 Department of Botany, Sikkim University, Gangtok 737 102, IN
6 Department of Basic Science and Social Science, School of Technology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, IN

Abstract

Categorization of species under different threat classes is a pre-requisite for planning, management and monitoring of any species conservation programme. However, data availability, particularly at the population level, has been a major bottleneck in the correct categorization of threatened species. Till date, threat assessments have been mostly based on expert opinion and/or herbarium records. The availability of primary data on distribution of species and their p opulation attributes is limited in India because of inadequate field survey, which has been ascribed to resource constraints and inaccessibility. In this study, we demonstrate that ecological niche modelling (ENM) can be an economical and effective tool to guide surveys overcoming the above two constraints leading to the discovery of new populations of threatened species. Such data lead to improved threat assessment and more accurate categorization. We selected 14 threatened plants comprising 5 trees (Acer hookeri Miq., Bhesa robusta (Roxb.) Ding Hou, Gynocardia odorata Roxb., Ilex venulosa Hook. f. and Lagerstroemia minuticarpa Debb. ex P.C. Kanjilal), 8 herbs (Angelica glauca Edgew., Aquilegia nivalis Falc. ex Jackson, Artemisia amygdalina DC., Begonia satrapis C.B. Clarke, Corydalis cashmeriana Royle, Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo, Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, and Rheum australe D. Don), and 1 pteridophyte (Angiopteris evecta (Forst.) Hoffm.) having distribution range in North East India, Eastern and Western Himalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir. The study was carried out between 2012 and 2016. ENM-based survey led to the discovery and characterization of 348 new populations. The data so obtained helped in assigning conservation status to 10 species, which earlier were never classified due to data deficiency. Using the new population and distribution data of the remaining four species, only one was confirmed regarding its existing status and two species were classified as ‘Critically endangered’ instead of the present classification as ‘Endangered’. The fourth species was classified as ‘Critically endangered’ against the earlier category of ‘Least concerned’.

Keywords

Niche Modelling, Population Characterization, Threatened Plants, Threat Assessment.

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P. C. Panda ¹, S. Kumar ², J. P. Singh ², P. Gajurel ³, P. K. Kamila ¹, S. Kashung ³, R. N. Kulloli ², P. P. Singh ⁴, D. Adhikari ⁴, S. K. Barik ⁴

Affiliations
1 Taxonomy and Conservation Division, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar 751 015, IN
2 Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Light Industrial Area, Jodhpur 342 003, IN
3 Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli 791 109, IN
4 Department of Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, IN

Abstract

Populations of threatened plants are declining rapidly in natural habitats due to various anthropogenic activities. Reinforcement of the dwindling populations through reintroduction is a promising aspect for conservation of threatened plants. However, due to lack of standardized propagation methods of such plants, mass production of planting materials has become a challenge, thereby constraining the replenishment process. Identification of factors constraining the seed germination of threatened plants and addressing it effectively, are among the most cost-effective strategies for large-scale multiplication and subsequent conservation of the threatened species. Similarly, conventional low-cost vegetative propagation techniques such as grafting, air layering, and regenerating plantlets from ischolar_main-suckers, apical meristems, and stem cuttings often prove more successful for multiplication than relatively costly micropropagation techniques. In this article, we present a few case studies on low-cost mass propagation techniques of threatened plant species of India through seed, stem/apical shoot cutting and airlayering, that helped in the restoration of the species.

Keywords

Conservation, Seed Germination, Threatened Plants, Vegetative Propagation.

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S. K. Barik ¹, B. R. P. Rao ², K. Haridasan ³, D. Adhikari ¹, P. P. Singh ¹, R. Tiwary ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, IN
2 Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur 515 003, IN
3 Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions, Bengaluru 560 064, IN

Abstract

Assigning threat status to a species is essential for prioritization of species under any conservation programme, and therefore, a pre-requisite for species conservation. In India, due to inadequate data, threat status has not been assigned to several plant species, although their population sizes are quite small and they are considered important from conservation point of view. Besides, there is a need for reassessment of threat status assigned by various agencies using updated data on population size, number of mature individuals, area of occupancy, and geographic extent of occurrence. This is crucial as the natural habitats as well as populations of such species are being affected by anthropogenic activities, exotic species invasion, and climate change. In the present study, we assessed the threat status of 59 selected plant species following the IUCN criteria (ver. 3.1). The species were selected after consultation with various experts throughout the country. Field surveys were carried out in various ecoregions of India to locate the species. Population size and number of mature individuals were enumerated following quadrat/plot-based sampling. The exogenous and endogenous factors leading to decline in population and rarity were identified based on field observations as well as laboratorybased seed viability and germination tests. Based on these studies, 20 species were classified under critically endangered category, 21 under endangered, 11 under vulnerable, five under near threatened, and one species each under data deficient and least concern category. Threat assessment for 41 species was done based on number of locations and geographical range of occurrence, while for 18 species it was done based on restricted population and number of mature individuals. Over-exploitation and habitat degradation or loss were the dominant exogenous factors leading to decline in natural populations of the selected species. The major endogenous factors that lead to population decline and species rarity were low seed viability and germination, long dormancy period, less seedling recruitment, low population size, habitat specificity and narrow niche leading to restricted distribution.

Keywords

Area of Occupancy, Extent of Occurrence, IUCN Classification, Population Size, Threatened Plants.

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B. K. Mohapatra ¹, S. Mishra ², P. P. Singh ³

Affiliations
1 Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, IN
2 Orissa Mining Corporation, Bhubaneswar, IN
3 Department of Geology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, IN

Abstract

Outcrop of wad, about 3-5 m thick, associated with low to medium-grade manganese ore deposits in Iron Ore Group (IOG), is present in large quantum in Bonai-Keonjhar belt, Orissa. It is often inter-bedded with volcanic ash layers. Wad is powdery, fine grained, black to blackish-brown in colour, very soft, readily soils the fingers and its hardness on the Mohs' hardness scale is 1-3. The wad zone is capped by a thin lateritic zone and overlies manganese ore beds of variable thickness in Dalki, Guruda and Dubna mines. Wad constitutes two mineral phases, viz. manganese oxides (δ-MnO₂, manganite, romanechite with minor pyrolusite) and iron oxides (goethite/limonite and hematite) with minor clay and free quartz. Mixed limonite-clay and cryptomelane-limonite are commonly observed. Under microscope the ore appears oolitic, pisolitic, elipsoidal to globular in shape having small detritus of quartz, pyrolusite/romanechite and hematite at the core. The ore contains around 23% Mn and 28% Fe with ∼7% of combined alumina and silica. Wad might have developed in a swampy region due to slow chemical precipitation of Fe-Mn-Co enriched fluid, nucleating over quartz/hematite grains. Influence of a marine environment is indicated from δ-MnO₂ phase. Remnants of some microfossils, like algal filament, bacteria, foraminifera and diatomite are observed in wad sample under SEM. These microorganisms might have been responsible for the oxidation of dissolved Mn²⁺ and Fe²⁺ precipitates. These findings suggest biochemogenic origin of wad in Bonai-Keonjhar belt of Orissa.

Keywords

Ferromanganese Oxide, Microbial Formation, Iron Ore Group, Orissa.

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V. S. Santhosh Mithra ¹, Raji Pushpalatha ¹, S. Sunitha ¹, James George ¹, P. P. Singh ², R. S. Singh ², J. Tarafdar ³, Surajit Mitra ³, Chandra Deo ⁴, Sunil Pareek ⁵, B. K. M. Lakshmi ⁶, R. Shiny ¹, G. Byju ¹

Affiliations
1 ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram 695 017, IN
2 Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Samasthipur 848 125, IN
3 Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (BCKV), Kalyani 741 252, IN
4 Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad 224 229, IN
5 Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur 313 001, IN
6 Shri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Rajendra Nagar 500 030, IN

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the wider applicability of sweet potato growth model, ‘SPOTCOMS’ for simulating the phenology and yield over a set of agroclimatic conditions in India. The model simulated the phenology of the crop as a function of growing degree days. The genetic coefficients required for the model were estimated from the field experiments conducted with sweet potato variety, Sree Bhadra and other local varieties at the study locations. The model simulated the yield of the sweet potato well and the statistical indices calculated between the simulated and observed yields stated the reliability of the model simulations. The agreement index (D-index) for Sree Bhadra ranged from 0.55 to 0.99, and the D-index for local varieties ranged from 0.51 to 1.00. The calculated values of normalized objective function ranged from 0.01 to 0.10 for Sree Bhadra and 0.00 to 0.22 for other local varieties, and indicated better agreement of simulated and observed yields. The normalized ischolar_main mean square error ranged from 0.80% to 10.40% for Sree Bhadra and 0.00% to 22.44% for other varieties, and these results suggested the wider applicability of the model with excellent to good simulations. The model also simulated dry matter distribution in tubers pertaining to different stresses such as water, nitrogen and potassium. The study revealed that the simulation model ‘SPOTCOMS’ can be used for simulating the yield as well as to manage the stresses during the crop growth period and to optimize best management practices for the crop cultivation irrespective of the agroclimatic conditions.

Keywords

Crop Phenology, Calibration, Growing Degree Days, SPOTCOMS, Simulation.

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Ram Kumar ¹, P. P. Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Entomology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur 848125, Bihar, IN

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Tirhut College Agriculture Dholi, Muzaffarpur (Bihar) during kharif 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the efficacy of insecticides against whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) on okra. The results revealed that thiamethoxam 25WG @ 25 g a.i./ ha after three applications, at 15 days interval gave maximum reduction of incidence (0.50/ 3 leaves). The next effective ones were acetamiprid 20SP 20 g a.i./ ha and profenophos 50EC 500 g a.i./ ha which was at par with thiamethoxam 25WG @ 25g a.i./ ha. Among the botanicals, the yam bean seed extract (YBSE) 5% was superior followed by neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) 5% and neem oil 3%.

Keywords

Efficacy, Insecticides, Okra, Bemisia tabaci, Thiamethoxam, Acetamiprid, Profenophos, Spinosad, Deltamethrin, Neem Oil, YBSE and NSKE.

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Ram Kumar ¹, P. P. Singh ¹, C. R. Kumbhar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Entomology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur 848125, Bihar, IN

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of maize, sorghum and cowpea as intercrops with okra (at ratio of main: intercrop- of 1:1 and 2:1) against okra shoot and fruit borer Earias spp. incidence. The results revealed that the least shoot damage (5.00%) was observed with okra + cowpea (1:1) intercropping followed by okra + cowpea (2:1) and okra + sorghum (1:1). Maximum shoot damage (6.65%) was registered in okra + maize (2:1) as against mono-cropping (7.69%). Similarly, the least fruit damage (12.25%) was in okra + cowpea (1:1) crop statistically on par with that of okra + cowpea (2:1), okra + sorghum (1:1) and okra + sorghum (2:1); maximum (16.41%) was observed with okra + maize (2:1) and okra as a sole crop (18.42%). The okra + cowpea (1:1) recorded the maximum land equivalent ratio (1.31) followed by okra + cowpea 1.20 at 2:1 and okra+ sorghum 1.19 at 1:1 crop ratio. Okra intercropped with maize (2:1) was found less effective (0.99) than the okra sole. The maximum okra equivalent yield (111.4 q/ha) was obtained with okra + cowpea intercropping (1:1), while the least (100.9 q/ha) was in okra + maize (2:1).

Keywords

Okra, Eariasspp. Intercrop, Incidence, Shoot And Fruit Damage, Cowpea, Sorghum, Maize, Monocropping, Yield, Okra Equivalent Yield, Land Equivalent Ratio.

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